AtCreo,webelievethatjoyhasa rippleeffect—anditstartswitha singlemomentoffun.Ourmission is to create more moments like this throughourplaygrounds;spaces wherestudentscanlaugh,play, andgrow,becauseweknowthat whenkidsarehappy,that happinessspreads.
St Anne’s School, nestled in the heart of Wellington, partnered with Creo to transform their concrete, urban school environment into an imaginative and dynamic playspace. With many students living in apartments or flats, the school aimed to create an active play area within the school grounds, promoting physical activity, social interaction, and creative exploration. The goal was to craft a space where children could not only play but thrive, allowing their imagination to run free.
Existing Space.
The original area at St Anne’s was an upper-level concrete expanse, offering limited opportunities for active play or interaction. With minimal greenery and conventional playground options, the space was underutilised.
Design and Customisation.
Collaborating closely with the school, Creo set out to reimagine the space, focusing on open-ended play and interactive design elements that would break away from the traditional swings and slides seen in other parks.
The vibrant colours used in the design were carefully chosen to echo the themes running throughout the school, creating a cohesive and inspiring environment. Ground markings were added to unlock endless possibilities for imaginative play, turning the space into a canvas for students to create their own games and stories.
Outcome.
The new play area has quickly become a central hub of activity at St Anne’s School. Students now have a colourful and engaging space where they can express themselves, connect with friends, and immerse themselves in imaginative play. The open-ended design encourages them to create their own adventures, enhancing both their learning and social experiences.
creospace.co.nz/st-annes
Balance Balls.
01 These elements are designed to develop coordination and balance, inviting students to engage in dynamic and open-ended play.
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Wooden Beam Structures.
02 Central to the playground’s design, these structures offer opportunities for climbing, imaginative play, and group interaction.
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Surface Design.
03 Vibrant and thoughtfully designed ground markings provide a canvas for various games and outdoor learning activities, sparking creativity and exploration.
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Open Space.
04 The inclusion of ample open space allows for running, free play, and the flexibility to adapt the area for different types of learning and interaction.
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St Annes School, Wellington.
“We wanted something different, something that would help our students grow their imagination and encourage them to play together. The new space has exceeded our expectations and has become a central part of our school.”
Principal, Doreen O’Sullivan
St Annes School, Wellington.
“Our goal was to create a play area that wasn’t just about waiting for turns on a swing or slide, but about fostering creativity and connection. The transformation has brought so much energy and joy to our school.”
Principal, Doreen O’Sullivan
Project Vision.
At Elm Park School in Auckland, Deputy Principal Dave Walsh saw that the school’s 30-year-old playground had become outdated and uninviting. The old woodchip bark, shaded by large trees, created a dusty or muddy environment that didn’t encourage the type of active play the school wanted for its students. The playground needed a change, and not just any change—a transformation that would align with the school’s values of respect, responsibility, and resilience.
Finding the Right Partner.
When the school began looking for a partner to redesign the space, Principal Sarah Baleicakau was drawn to Creo’s approach. “We decided to go with Creo because they were really interested in what made Elm Park unique to us,” she explains. The school wanted more than just a playground; they wanted a space that reflected their community and supported the growth of their students.
Design and Customisation.
Creo worked closely with Elm Park School to design a playspace that was functional, engaging, and in harmony with the school’s identity. Health and safety were a top priority, with detailed planning and consistent communication throughout the project.
Outcome.
The new playground has been a resounding success. The space is now vibrant and multi-functional, used not just for play, but also for outdoor learning and physical education. The updated area has significantly enhanced the school’s environment, making it a favourite spot for students and staff alike. creospace.co.nz/elm-park
A Nod to the Past.
01 One of the highlights of the design was Creo’s suggestion to refurbish and incorporate a 50-year-old climbing frame, adding a touch of nostalgia and sustainability to the new playground.
Slide and Mounds.
02 These features provide excitement and physical challenges, encouraging students to be active.
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Balance and Climbing Equipment.
04 Designed to be challenging yet safe, these elements help develop motor skills and confidence.
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Wooden Obstacle Course.
05 This feature allows students to navigate through a series of challenges, fostering problem-solving and teamwork.
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Floor Games.
03 Ground markings offer various games that promote creativity and group interaction.
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Elm Park School, Auckland.
Park School, Auckland.
“The children are absolutely thrilled with the playground and the staff are ecstatic.”
Deputy Principal, Sarah Baleicakau
Hurunui College, Canterbury.
Project Vision.
For Principal Stephen Beck, the transformation of Hurunui College’s outdoor space was more than just a playground upgrade—it was an opportunity to create a meaningful connection between the school, its students, and the broader community. When the aging prefab classrooms were removed, Stephen saw the chance to turn that space into something special: a playground that would reflect the school’s values and serve as a community hub.
A Playground Rooted in Nature.
Stephen wanted the playground to harmonize with the natural landscape.
“Going with the more timber look was a big part of that,” he explains. This aesthetic choice ensured the playground blended seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a welcoming, nature-inspired environment.
Encouraging Unstructured Play.
At the heart of the new design is a 7.5-meter climbing structure, a centrepiece that stands out and brings the community together. “Our kids love climbing, and we don’t stop too much of that,” Stephen says. The structure and a wooden obstacle course promote unstructured play, encouraging students to explore and engage creatively with the space.
A Community Asset.
Stephen knew the playground would serve the school and the entire community. “We knew the playground was going to be an asset for the community,” he notes. The space has become popular for families during weekends and holidays, reinforcing the school’s role as a community centre.
creospace.co.nz/hurunui-college
7.5m Climbing Structure.
01 A striking centrepiece that fosters community interaction and unstructured play.
Wooden Equipment.
02 Chosen to keep the playground connected to nature, blending with the surrounding environment.
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Obstacle Course.
03 Provides challenges and supports various forms of play, encouraging physical activity and teamwork.
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Viking Swing.
04 Designed to be challenging yet safe, these elements help develop motor skills and confidence.
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Hurunui College, Canterbury.
“We wanted a playground that reflected our rural environment and encouraged unstructured play. The new space, with its timber elements and impressive climbing structure, has become a key part of our school and community.”
Principal, Stephen Beck
Hurunui College, Canterbury.
“Our vision was to create a space that wasn’t just for the school, but for the entire community. Seeing it now, used by families on weekends and holidays, confirms that we’ve created something truly special.”
Principal, Stephen Beck
St Hilda Collegiate, Dunedin.
“The response from the students has been overwhelmingly positive. The playspace is now filled with laughter and enjoyment.”
Deputy Principal, Helen Elmey
Project Vision.
St. Hilda’s Collegiate aimed to transform an underused space into a vibrant playspace for students from year seven to year thirteen. They wanted a multifunctional area that promotes social interaction and active play, regardless of the weather.
Existing Space.
The area was previously just a grassy field, often unusable during Dunedin’s harsh winters. Muddy and waterlogged, it offered limited opportunities for outdoor play, leaving students without a reliable space to gather and interact. The school recognized the need for a durable, all-weather playground that could be used year-round.
Design and Customisation.
Working closely with the school, we designed a playspace that maximises the small area while meeting the diverse needs of the students.
The design incorporates many features to promote both play and socialisation.
creospace.co.nz/sthildas
PlayShapes.
01 High-quality Pour‘n’Play® seats are rubber seats designed for all-weather. Easily customisable, they can fit most spaces. It also promotes social interaction and creativity with vibrant, custom-designed seating.
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02 The steppers are a multi-purpose PlayShape. Students can use it as a seating or hop from stepper to stepper. A great open-ended play element that has been incorporated in the design.
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Log Jam.
Playspace Design.
04 It enhances the flow and engagement with a thoughtfully planned layout for diverse age groups.
The colours of the space match the school’s colours, keeping consistency and helping to create a sense of belonging for the students.
Other Play Features.
05 Slide
A traditional play equiment that enables the students of all ages to play in this unique playspace.
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06 Carousel
03 Locally built in our Oamaru workshop. Our Log Jams are made of Robinia hardwood, a long-lasting material with a great natural look. This feature encourages imaginative play and physical challenges or could be a relaxation area for students. (Canalsobeviewedonpgs26&27)
Encourages social play, teamwork, and coordination. It can act as a closed play item, where you go around, and promotes open-ended play for more imaginative and social games.
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St Hilda Collegiate, Dunedin.
St Hilda Collegiate, Dunedin.
“We
wanted a social and interactive space for our students. Creo offered a design that perfectly utilised our small space and catered to all ages.”
Deputy Principal, Helen Elmey
Project Vision.
Sunnyvale Primary School in West Auckland partnered with Creo to reimagine their outdated playground, upgrading it into an inclusive and imaginative playspace where all students could thrive and connect. The primary goal was to create a vibrant environment that encourages social interaction, creativity, and active play for children of all ages and abilities.
Existing Space.
The original playground at Sunnyvale Primary was aging and no longer fit for purpose. Wood chips often washed away during floods, making the area unsafe and underutilised by the students.
Design and Customisation.
Working closely with the school, Creo designed a playspace that addressed these challenges while reflecting the school’s values of inclusion and diversity. The new playground is where all children can play together, regardless of age or ability.
creospace.co.nz/sunnyvale
PlayShapes.
01 Half balls: These bright, colourful, and customisable PlayShapes offer open-ended play opportunities. They invite children to explore, interact, and create their own games, fostering creativity and collaboration. Sunnyvale School opted for these items to add creativity for their students and, of course, challenge them.
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Slide.
02 Second-Story Slide: This thinkingoutside-the-box idea, was added to make the second-story classroom more appealing; why not embark on an adventure after class?
At Sunnyvale School, it quickly became a favourite feature, making the upstairs classroom a more attractive destination for students.
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Tunnel.
03 This fun and colourful tunnel invites imaginative play, allowing children to explore and create their own adventures. This is not only for the children to have fun but also for school staff, who have seen how successful this design feature is by watching their students try to fit in as many people as possible.
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Custom Surface Design.
04 The new surface replaced the problematic wood chips, making the area more durable and safer for play. Creo’s surface is free draining, making it safe in all weather. The vibrant, inclusive design reflects the school’s identity and encourages creativity and adventurous play.
You can see it in the small details, games and colours. Every part of it makes a difference and plays a part when students interact with it.
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Playspace Overall Design.
05 The layout enhances flow and engagement, ensuring all age groups enjoy the space. The colours and features were chosen to align with Sunnyvale School’s colours, creating a sense of belonging and pride for the students.
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“We wanted a colourful and inclusive space that reflected our school’s values. Creo designed a playspace that brought our vision to life, catering to all our students.”
Principal, Katie Pennicott
Sunnyvale Primary School, Auckland.
“The response from the students has been overwhelmingly positive. The playground is filled with laughter and excitement.”
Principal, Katie Pennicott
Marshall Laing School, Auckland.
Project Vision.
At Marshall Laing School, the transition from the vibrant, colorful world of kindergarten to the more structured school environment was a challenge for young students. The school aimed to create a welcoming, playful space that would ease this transition, making it enjoyable and seamless for their year one and two students.
Existing Space.
Before the transformation, the area was grey, drab, and largely ignored by the students. It lacked the vibrancy needed to attract and engage young children, leaving it underutilised and uninspiring.
Design and Customisation.
Creo worked closely with Marshall Laing School to reimagine the space, blending the school’s ideas with Creo’s expertise to create a dynamic playspace tailored to the needs of their youngest students.
Outcome.
The new playspace has transformed the once drab area into a lively, vibrant hub. It’s now a favourite spot for students during breaks, fostering creativity, active play, and a smoother transition into school life. Marshall Laing School is so pleased with the outcome that they are considering expanding similar projects throughout the campus.
creospace.co.nz/marshall-laing
Pour'n’Play Seats.
01 Colourful seating that doubles as playful structures, encouraging both rest and imaginative play.
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Mini Mounds.
02 These bouncy mounds have become the children’s favourite, perfect for jumping and climbing or simply sitting during breaks.
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Surface Design with Games.
03 The vibrant ground markings invite children to explore and invent new games, stimulating creativity.
Vibrant Environment.
04 The entire area is infused with bright colours and open-ended play features, creating an inviting and engaging space.
“The transformation of our grey, underutilised space into a vibrant playground has made such a difference. Our children now have a place where they can explore, play, and feel connected to their school environment. Creo really understood our vision and delivered beyond our expectations.”
Principal, David White
Marshall Laing School, Auckland.
Marshall Laing School, Auckland.
“We wanted to create a smoother transition for our youngest students from early childhood centers to school, and this new space has done exactly that. It’s vibrant and inviting, just like the environments they came from.”
Principal, David White
How Creo works.
Site Hui
We meet with you to understand your vision and goals, walking through your space to gather the details that matter most to you.
Concept Design
Our landscape architects transform your ideas into detailed 2D and 3D designs, tailored to your needs with clear costings and a fixed price guarantee.
Detailed Engineering
We meticulously craft buildable plans that ensure your playground’s smooth transition from design to reality. 3.
Expert Manufacturing
Our skilled craftsmen bring your design to life, using a blend of locally made and imported elements to create a space unique to your community.
Efficient Project Management
We oversee every aspect of the project, ensuring timely and smooth delivery, so you can stay focused on your community.
Professional Installation
Our team takes care of the entire installation process, integrating the playground seamlessly into your environment with minimal disruption.
One-Point of contact
You’ll have a single, reliable point of contact throughout, making the process transparent and hassle-free, ensuring your vision becomes a reality.
Bring wonder to your play space with our Tuatara, crafted right here in NZ. This playful creature invites kids into a world of imaginative adventures.
2.3m long x 0.9m wide x 0.5m high
Whare.
Play equipment specially designed for playspaces.
Celebrate culture and connection with a customdesigned Whare. Perfectly sized and shaped to enhance your space, this handcrafted element adds a meaningful touch to your play space.
1.6m x 1.6m
Waka.
Set sail on a journey of play with our locally crafted Waka. This beautiful timber piece brings cultural storytelling and excitement to any play space.
Check out our line of items and see what you could add to your school space to engage students and add more fun.
To book a meeting, simply give us a call on 0800 000 334.
Steppers.
Hop, skip, or sit—our customisable Steppers add a pop of fun and colour, encouraging kids to move and explore in their own creative ways.
Balance Balls.
Challenge minds and bodies with Balance Balls that bring both fun and fitness to the playground. Available in different shapes, sizes, and colours to suit every child’s play style.
Seats. Create cosy corners for rest or socializing with our weatherresistant seats. Shape and style them to fit your space, making every spot inviting and unique.
This stunning Cass Square Playground is now the must-visit destination spot in Hokitika.
In collaboration with local community groups and the Westland District Council, we’ve created an inclusive playground for the whole community.
This imaginative space features captivating storytelling woven into the playground’s surface and equipment, with a bespoke play tower inspired by Hokitika’s iconic clock tower.
If you’re in Hokitika – or planning a visit –don’t miss this vibrant new gem!
